Potluck Pan Rolls

Prep: 105 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 27 Cuisine: American

Soft, buttery pan rolls with a golden crust, perfect for potlucks and family dinners. Fluffy and flavorful, they complement any meal with their warm, inviting aroma.

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Ingredients

  • 1 pkg. (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water, divided
  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup warm water.
  2. Add melted butter, eggs, milk powder, salt, 3 cups flour, remaining sugar, and remaining water. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth.
  3. Stir in remaining flour to form soft dough.
  4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
  6. Punch dough down and divide into 27 pieces. Shape each into balls.
  7. Place 18 balls in a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan and the remaining 9 balls in a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
  8. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  9. Bake at 375 degrees for 17 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Cool on wire racks.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure your water is warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F, to activate the yeast effectively. If you don't have instant nonfat dry milk powder, you can substitute with regular milk by adjusting the liquid in the recipe. Kneading until smooth and elastic is crucial for a good texture. If your dough is too sticky, add extra flour gradually.

Serving Suggestions

These Potluck Pan Rolls are perfect for family gatherings, and they pair beautifully with dishes like Baked Macaroni With Broccoli or a hearty vegetable soup. Serve them warm with butter or alongside your favorite spreads. They also make a delightful addition to brunch, especially when served with fruit preserves or honey.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, place the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Potluck Pan Rolls contains roughly 130 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

130 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.7g 19% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 21g 8% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 287mg 12% DV
Potassium 245.8mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 10.4mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.5mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 36.3mg 3% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and complete the rising process before shaping and baking.

What can I do if my rolls didn't rise properly?

If your rolls didn't rise as expected, it may be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warmer spot. You can also try placing it in an oven preheated to the lowest setting for a few minutes, then turned off, to create a warm rising environment.

Can I add flavors or toppings to the rolls?

Absolutely! You can mix herbs, garlic powder, or cheese into the dough for added flavor. For toppings, consider brushing the rolls with melted garlic butter or sprinkling with sea salt before baking. These enhancements will elevate the rolls and make them even more delicious.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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